RESIDENTS can now share their views on rubbish, recycling and fly tipping in the city as part of a new consultation.

Southampton City Council is asking people for their views on how it handles rubbish and recycling collection services.

Feedback is being gathered so it can improve these services and make them more cost-effective.

The main goal is to create a "cleaner and greener" city.

The council is trying to up recycling rates and encourage residents to reduce their waste and not contaminate recycling bins with the wrong items.

Proposals include introducing "waste diaries" if households want more general waste facilities.

The diaries show that people are recycling as much as they can and not contaminating their bins.

Fly tipping is also part of the consultation, although the council says there are no proposed changes to how the council clears fly-tipped rubbish, as enforcement powers are set out by law.

Councillor Steve Leggett said proposed changes would "help safeguard the environment for future generations".

The council boss for finance and change added: “We need to provide a city-wide waste collection service that is fit for purpose and delivered in the most cost-effective means possible, with our residents helping our city waste less and recycle more.

“The suggested changes will not only improve the quality of the service to residents but will also encourage better waste management and recycling behaviours with residents that are not currently engaging with our efforts to create a cleaner and greener city.”

The consultation runs from September 22 until December 14.

Share your views by visiting www.southampton.gov.uk/wasteconsultation or emailing yourcity.yoursay@southampton.gov.uk

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